Since the Huaxia Empire declared war on the entire Southern Region, there hasn't been a single battle where they've suffered a loss. Not one.
Despite the fact that many forces in the Southern Region had devised strategies to counter the Huaxia Empire's soul cannons, the only news that reached the public was that yet another force had been annihilated.
No one knew the exact details of the battles. Those who attempted to spy on the battlefield couldn't get close enough. If they dared approach the Huaxia Empire's battlefield, a shadowy figure would emerge from the darkness and silently take their lives.
The few who managed to survive reported seeing a figure cloaked in a black hood emerge from the shadows to deliver death.
The only thing the distant observers could see was the mighty warships of the Huaxia Empire advancing, signaling another victory.
Advance. Push forward.
These observers, watching from afar, could only see this relentless forward motion in the Huaxia Empire's soldiers.
The majestic Imperial Army, the dominating warships that ruled the skies, the terrifying Warbeast Army—these were forces that never knew retreat. They didn't need to retreat.
For in their minds, there were only two words: victory and advance. The concept of defeat simply didn't exist.
This was the power of the Huaxia Empire, sweeping everything in its path!
Without sufficient strength, how could Lin Qian have declared war on the entire Southern Region?
Though Lin Qian's actions were domineering, they were far from foolish. He wouldn't have acted without absolute confidence.
Moreover, every time the Huaxia Empire engaged in battle, regardless of the situation or how weak the enemy's formation appeared, the swift scouts would first deploy the soul device containing the formation virus, eroding the enemy's defenses.
The Empire operated with absolute caution and precision, unleashing its full strength and executing flawless battle formations, even when they held an overwhelming advantage.
Even when the Huaxia Army outnumbered the enemy two to one, they would wait for reinforcements to arrive and ensure they had a three-to-one advantage before launching an attack.
This was the reason the Huaxia Empire had won every battle so far.
They didn't believe in fair fights. They didn't care about numbers, only strength. As long as they were stronger, that was all that mattered.
One could say that every battle fought by the Huaxia Army was nothing short of overwhelming their opponents.
And that was exactly the effect Lin Qian wanted.
"Your Majesty, thirty forces in the Southern Region have already surrendered to the Huaxia Empire, and this number continues to grow," Zhuge Ming reported as Lin Qian sat in the most luxurious room aboard the Renhuang Wudi (Imperial Martial Emperor) flagship, meditating. Hearing this report, Lin Qian slowly opened his eyes.
"Surrender?" Lin Qian repeated as he opened his eyes, shaking his head slowly. He turned to Zhuge Ming and said, "If we declared war on the entire Southern Region and vowed to bring the entire region under the Huaxia Empire's control, then we must see it through to the end. We must conquer all the territories before we're done."
"As the Emperor, I must set an example for all the citizens of the Huaxia Empire. I cannot go back on my word."
"Tell the other forces in the Southern Region that the Huaxia Empire does not accept surrenders. If they want to live, they must disband their forces, surrender their territories to the Huaxia Empire, and swear an oath of loyalty. Only under those conditions will we accept them."
Having said this, Lin Qian closed his eyes and resumed his cultivation.
Are they joking? These same forces that looked down on the Huaxia Empire, who sent spies to observe and see if they could take advantage of the chaos, now want to surrender and offer up some worthless trinkets to beg for peace?
Ridiculous. While Lin Qian was mindful of conserving the Huaxia Empire's resources for future endeavors, that didn't mean he valued the junk these Southern Region forces were offering.
Meanwhile, within the Huaxia Empire's territory, evening was approaching. Citizens were bringing out benches from their homes, gathering on the streets to enjoy the cool air while looking up at the massive soul screens in the sky.
These days, anyone who had the time would tune in to the nightly broadcast of Huaxia News.
In a world with limited entertainment options, Huaxia News had become a cherished source of enjoyment.
"Peanuts, sunflower seeds, and Huaxia Shuangwaiwai beer! Last call before the news starts! Don't miss out!" A street vendor called out, pushing his cart down the road. "Fresh from the Imperial decree by Renhuang Wudi, the latest snacks and drinks from the Ministry of Engineering! Delicious and refreshing!"
"I'll take two bottles of Shuangwaiwai beer and a pack of Xiaohaha sunflower seeds."
"Why isn't there any Huaxia Wangduobao today?"
"Brother, Wangduobao tastes great, and it even helps with cultivation for those below the Nirvana Realm. It's affordable too, so of course it's all sold out by now."
"What about Haishi potato chips?"
"If you want potato chips, you'll have to come early tomorrow. All that's left now are Xiaohaha peanuts, Lehehe sunflower seeds, and Shuangwaiwai beer."
Such conversations were common throughout the Huaxia Empire, and as night fell, the soul screens in the cities began to glow.
Nine golden dragons appeared, spiraling around a planet, bringing the words Huaxia News to the forefront.
The familiar voices of a man and a woman echoed from the screen, their magnetic and sweet tones intertwining.
"Today, we have victorious reports: the Purple Cloud Sect, the Scarlet Flame Hall, and the Liuren Sect have all been successfully conquered by the Empire, adding ten more provinces to the Imperial territory."
"His Majesty, the Renhuang Wudi, has decreed that no surrender will be accepted. The Emperor has made it clear that consistency and keeping one's word are traditional virtues of the Huaxia Empire. Since we declared war on the entire Southern Region, we must fight until we have conquered it all."
As the news broadcasted, the citizens of the Huaxia Empire watched with rapt attention.
At first, they had worried whether the Empire could actually win a war against the entire Southern Region.
But every night on Huaxia News, they only heard reports of the Empire's victories, never of any defeats.
"Tomorrow, the Huaxia Army will launch a simultaneous attack on twenty-seven provinces surrounding the Yuheng Dominion!" The voice from the soul screen announced, sending waves of excitement through the Huaxia Empire.
Finally, the Huaxia Empire was preparing to strike against the Yuheng Dominion!